The Most Affordable Arctic Trip-Ivvavik National Park

Located about 200 kilometers northwest of Inuvik, with no roads leading in, Ivvavik National Park is in the far northwest corner of the Yukon, above the Arctic Circle. You'll bounce into camp on a tundra-tire-equipped de Havilland DH-2 Beaver. Getting to the Arctic Circle has always been a challenge. In the old days, you risked losing toes or fingers on the trek here, while today, even flying, driving or sailing, it's an epic task; the epic part of the equation being the price tag.

For Ivvavik National Park, the price is their claim to fame, plus the scenery is to die for. In the realm of arctic travel it's relatively cheap; they have a five-day fully-catered excursion for $3700 per person, or a 7-day, non-catered trip for $2700. So what's included?

That price comes with a chartered flight from Inuvik-you'll need to get yourself there-and a bed in the Sheep Creek Base Camp. Surrounded by electric grizzly bear fences, the camp is more than a place to pitch a tent.

Fully equipped with a kitchen, a chef, showers, bathrooms, electricity, park staff and local elders, the main buildings are permanent structures powered by solar and completely self-sufficient and self-contained. This is basically an all-inclusive experience, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the scenery.

Visitors stay in one of the six Fort McPherson tents; a glamping-style accommodation with either a double bed or a couple of bunk beds. The tents are super comfortable and homey and they provide incredible views of Sheep Creek itself and the mountains beyond.

The Highway to Heaven hike delivers all that it promises; a challenging, yet rewarding hike in the Arctic Circle. The park is 9,775 square kilometers of unglaciated tundra. While there are no designated trails, the opportunities are endless; all hiking follows approximate routes and park staff will help you decide on where and when to hike.

You'll see caribou and mountain goats. Ivvavik comes from the Inuvialuktun language and means, "a place for giving birth." This is the first national park in Canada that was the result of an aboriginal land claim agreement. The park protects the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou.

Reaching the summit of Dragon Tors is the pinnacle of the Highway to Heaven hike. Exploring the barren lands of the north from above the treeline is an experience like no other. It's almost a moonscape above the trees, with mountains stretching off as far as you can see.

Even though it's well past midnight, there is tons of daylight left, and you can hike until two in the morning if you want. The chef back at the base lodge will wait for you to return and have dinner waiting when you arrive.

In the morning you can grab fishing rods and head to the Firth River. Within minutes you'll catch an Arctic Grayling. Then another. Then another. And that's when it'll hit you; arcticus feverus. A feeling that Farley Mowat coined describing an irresistible draw to the North.

There's something special about the Arctic. Perhaps it's the wilderness, the wildlife, the landscape, the never-ending daylight, or the people that you meet there. And if you haven't caught arcticus feverus yet, the cheapest way to do so is on a trip to Ivvavik National Park. You surely won't regret it.